CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers shook off some rust, and then the Atlanta Hawks.

Newly crowned MVP LeBron James scored 34 points and the well-rested Cavs, who waited nine days between playoff games after a first-round sweep, pulled away in the second half for a 99-72 win over the Atlanta Hawks in their Eastern Conference semifinal opener on Tuesday.

Showing why he was voted the league's best player in a landslide, James added 10 rebounds, three assists and four steals as the top-seeded Cavs won their fifth straight lopsided game in a postseason that has so far mirrored the best regular season in franchise history.

Mo Williams added 21 points for Cleveland, which has won each of its five games by double figures.